Tiles are used for more than just style; but they’re super practical, too, thanks to most of them being easy to clean and durable. Considering how popular they are, it’s no surprise how many different types of tiles there are available, and making the choice between them can be quite challenging for home homeowners. In this article, we’ll give you a few different types of tiles that you may want to consider for your home and some tips to help you choose the right ones.
Types of Tiles
Now, there are two common types of tiles that most people will go for ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. That said, these aren’t the only options to choose from. Here’s a list of tiles to look for:
1. Ceramic tiles
Ceramic tiles are by far one of the most popular options on this list. They’re readily available and come in at a lower price usually. They also offer versatility and durability, making them an ideal tiling option for any home really. The are prone to chipping or cracking if not positioned correctly or if the quality of the tile is bad.
2. Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are ceramic, however, they’ve been made to be far more durable. These tiles are also very popular. They come in almost any colour and can have some remarkable designs on them. They’re also super easy to maintain. While they might be more expensive than traditional ceramic tiles, they are still relatively affordable.
3. Glazed floor tiles
Now we get into the different tiles you can choose from. Glazed floor tiles are usually made from porcelain or ceramic, but can also be made from cement or glass. These tiles are usually coated with a layer of enamel to provide them with a more aesthetically pleasing look. With the added glaze, they’re also more stain resistant and less porous, meaning that they won’t absorb as much moisture as other tiles do.
4. Wood-look floor tiles
Nowadays, a solid wood floor can be extremely expensive, especially because you’d need to use a hard wood for it. Wood-look tiles are a more affordable solution to this. Also made with ceramic, porcelain, cement, or a composite material, these tiles are designed to have the appearance of wood, providing you the natural wood finish that you’re going for without any of the maintenance that comes with having a wooden floor.
5. Glass tiles
Glass tiles might look nice, but for flooring they aren’t the most practical option, however, they are an option nonetheless. If used on the floor in an area like the bathroom or kitchen, glass tiles can be slippery when wet. Which makes them not ideal for flooring. That said, you could use them as a backsplash to create a lovely aesthetic appeal in your bathroom. Glass tiles are usually a more expensive option too.
6. Cement tiles
If you’re after affordability and durability, then cement tiles might be a good option for you. Like ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, you can find cement tiles in all different shapes and sizes. Not to mention that you could also get them in unique designs too.
7. Marble tiles
Now we’re getting to the more bougie tiles options. Marble tiles are virtually indestructible, but they’re expensive. Marble is an extremely hard substance. It’s also beautiful, easy to clean, and it’ll add value to your home. You can find marble tiles in multiple colours, styles, and designs to go with whatever interior design you’re choosing for your home.
8. Granite tiles
Like marble, granite tiles are also super hard and durable. In most cases, granite is used for countertops because of its hardness and ability to handle heat. That said, it’ll also work well as floor tiles, offering you longevity and convenience when it comes to cleaning them.
9. Mosaic tiles
Here’s one for those who want to spruce their home up with a bit of their own creative talents. Whether you tackle mosaic tiling yourself or have a professional design something for you, mosaicing will add a unique touch to your home. Often used for a backsplash more than for floors, mosaic tiles are usually ceramic or porcelain. That said, they could be made from any tiling material really.
10. Travertine tiles
If you’re looking to go for a more Mediterranean style, travertine tiles can provide you with that beautiful natural stone look. At times, the way they are installed makes them so seamless that they look like one slab of stone as your floor. Travertine is very durable and aesthetically pleasing, but it is also pretty expensive.
Final Thoughts
The trick to choosing the perfect tiles for your home is to always start with the end in mind. Once you have your vision and know the final result you want to achieve, it’ll be easier to choose the tile that’ll best suit that particular room.
